Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Flight call description A nasal, descending "nheew" and a low, harsh "jhrrr". Sometimes a higher, more pure-toned "heeo".
Fig.1. Minnesota June 10, 2001 (WRE).
"Nheew" call from bird in flight.
Fig.2. Colorado July 16, 2001 (MO).
"Jhrrr" call from bird in flight.
Examples
Diurnal calling sequences:
1. Minnesota June 10, 2001 (WRE). Birds in flight near breeding colony.
2. Minnesota June 10, 2001 (WRE). Birds in flight near breeding colony. Same site as Example 1.
3. Colorado July 17, 2001 (MO). Birds in flight near breeding colony.
Similar species See Cave and Bank Swallows. "Jhrrr" call similar to Northern Rough-winged Swallow but higher and more muffled.
Behavior Primarily a diurnal migrant. Flight calls are given regularly by perched and flying birds during the day. Not known to give flight calls at night.